What's Up Doc?

Matt Doherty faces a battle to be fit for Wolves’ return to Sky Bet League One action against Coventry on Saturday after returning from international duty with a groin injury,

Doherty suffered a tight groin during Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw with Romania on Friday, a game in which he played in the centre of midfield.

Having returned early to Compton, the in-form full back who set up two of Wolves’ three goals in their last league fixture at Colchester, has now joined skipper Samuel Ricketts in a race to be fit.

“Doherty’s come back early from international duty with a groin injury,” Jackett explained.

“We don’t know how long he’s going to be out for and we’re hopeful he’ll be o-k for the weekend, but we’ll see.

“It depends on how the week goes for him, but he’ll be very close for the weekend anyway, as to whether he’s fit or not.

“It’s not anything major, but round about a week is usual for this type of injury.

“He played the first game and reported the groin problem and the Irish FA have sent him back to have treatment here and assess it.

“He did it in the game. We hope he’s got enough time to recover.

“He’s got a chance for the weekend but it’s going to be very close.”

Aaron McCarey and Anthony Forde remain with the Under-21s for a return fixture with Romania while Lee Evans is with Wales Under-21s who face San Marino in Bangor this afternoon.

Kevin Doyle and Leigh Griffiths are in the Republic of Ireland and Scotland senior squads ahead of tonight’s games with Kazakhstan and Croatia.

Wayne Hennessey meanwhile may be on loan with Yeovil but is certainly not out of mind for Jackett who was delighted to see him regain his Welsh international place – and keep a clean sheet – in Friday’s 1-0 win against Macedonia.

“I spoke to Wayne on the phone afterwards and I’m very pleased for him to get back into the international scene,” said the Head Coach.

“It’s a good foot in the door and it was a great clean sheet and a win, just when they needed it to try to get off the bottom of that table.

“I think it was his first international for two years and he did very well so I was very pleased for him.

“He was saying they’d worked at certain situations and set-pieces where he was going to come and take the high balls and the crosses and people were going to cover him and it worked very well to get the clean sheet.

“It means a considerable amount to him to play for Wales too.

“He’s a Wolves player but his international career means a lot to him as well and it’s something he’d love to pursue again.

“It’s a big confidence boost to be back playing regularly again in the Championship and at international level.

“It will be interesting to see how that goes between him and Boaz Myhill because they’re both very capable goalkeepers.”

Wales tonight face Belgium, who have already booked their place in next summer’s World Cup Finals.